Kuumbwa Jazz Center

320 Cedar St # 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Address:	320 Cedar St # 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Phone:	+1 831-427-2227
Site:	kuumbwajazz.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 30

Matt Fitt

Incredible, top-name jazz artists... Great sound... In a space the size of a really big living room. I like seeing jazz up close and personal -- and this is the place for it. In the last twenty years, Ive seen artists like John McLaughlin, Max Roach, Bill Frisell, Carolina Chocolate Drops (not jazz, but a phenomenal show!), the SF Jazz Collective, and many more. Except for a small selection of reserved seats (usually, part of the center section of rows 2&3), all the seating is general admission. So if youre willing to arrive 30-60 mins before showtime, you can choose your spot, then grab some food/beer/wine from the window in back, and wait for the fireworks to begin. Since I usually try to arrive early, its rare that I sit more than ten feet from the performers. More often, I sit _at_ their feet. 8-)

Xave Ruth

This review is meant for people between the ages of 25 and 35. Those outside of that range please take this opportunity to leave the room. Ill wait. Okay. So listen. You may be the only one in your generation in the room. I know that can be weird, like you went to visit your parents but then they were going to a dinner party and your plans fell through and you didnt feel like cooking so you just went with them for the food. But. The music is great. Just grit your teeth and try not to feel too uncomfortable. You can do it. Youre an adult. Trust me. Oh wait, nobodys even in here.

Scott Stevens

S small intimate review with great seating and great acoustics. The best part is the quality of the performers. I saw Geoff muldaur and Jim kweskin playing acoustic guitar and banjo plain Classics as well as brand new creations. I didnt stop smiling through the whole evening. A memorable night in a great venue.

Brian McCall

Intimate venue. A bit crowded when you cram everybody in for a popular show, but probably my favorite spot to see an artist play here in town. Surprisingly good food from the kitchen, if you didnt get to eat before the show.

Ashwin Batish

A Santa Cruz treasure. Known worldwide but grown locally! Great music and best of all its run by a group of dedicated staff and volunteers that bring extremely cozy and warm vibes to all that visit this musical oasis.

Denis Lynch

Iconic venue attracts the best jazz performers (and more) because the audience is always great, the sound is great, and it all runs beautifully. Almost certainly the best place to listen in the San Francisco region.

Raul Rekow

Amazing ambience and acoustics with high level musicianship constantly rolling through. Tucked away off an alley in downtown makes it a fine location with surprising great access to parking.

K Lee

Great place to listen to live music. The theater is small so everyone gets a great view. Prices are reasonable. Nice variety of jazz and folk musicians; some pretty well known.

Frank Cheap

Very small intimate venue, seating a couple hundred max. Super friendly staff and audience. Beer and wine, light meals. Most of all, fantastic music.

Paul Wooding

Went in search of live music and found this place offering the "Sin Sisters". Fantabulous.... dont miss em.

Selene Kumin Vega

Wonderful venue! Weve seen many shows here over the years, many excellent musicians.

Peg Popken

Great venue for music. Some times big names in a small venue . Great time every time.

Adam White

One of the greatest spots for music in all of Santa Cruz. A true treasure.

David Copp

Downbeat magazine rates it one of the 100 best jazz clubs in the world.